1+1=ONE: Fun Fashion for Furry Friends

taking some time off...

2009-09-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give you all a bit of an update so that no one is left wondering "What is going on with ONE?" I've had a lot going on outside of my business and need to take some time off to take care of other matters. Everyone is fine and everything is ok, I've just been very busy. For the time being, I've put my Etsy and 1000 Markets shops on hold and will re-open them shortly. In the meantime, feel free to write with any questions or comments to designsbyone@yahoo.com. Thank you all for your patience - YOU ROCK!!

Do you like 1 or 2 better?

2009-07-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I need some help and I would really appreciate some input:

I am currently designing a custom fabric-print for dog collars that I will be offering in my Etsy shop. I am just about finished with the print but I can't decide which dog I would like on it. They are identical, the only difference is the ears. What do you think - option 1 or 2? Thanks in advance!

As Seen on the "For the Love of Cute" Blog

2009-07-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Our "Rock and Ruff" tee has been featured on the "For the Love of Cute" blog. Make sure to check it out here and see all the other fabulous doggie picks.

City Dog Magazine: Summer 2009

2009-07-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

I am super excited to announce that our Summer Garden Tank has been featured in the summer issue of City Dog Magazine. They put together a collection called "Cool Products: What's Hot for Cool Dogs " and we were one of the lucky ones to be included! (That's our tank in the upper left corner). These are some pictures of the issue but you can get your copy here. Enjoy :)

Velma's new collar

2009-06-23T14:57:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of Dublin Dog? It's definitely worth checking out! Since I'm always looking for cool new collars to add to Velma's collection, I stumbled upon their website and fell in love with their products. Of course I immediately whipped out my credit card and ordered her the "Terra Cotta Daisy Daze" collar, along with one of their "Lucky Me" pewter tags. These collars are hand-crafted, made to last, and best of all: low maintenance. They rinse clean and are made from a non-porous material that doesn't harbor odors. Pretty cool, right?

My contest winner: Sadey

2009-06-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here is precious Miss Sadey showing off the collar that her mom won for her (in my blog contest)from my shop. Isn't she sweet? The dress is also one of my creations :) So cute!!

And the winner is...

2009-05-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

Roni :) Ok, so she was the only one who participated but it's still exciting to get to announce a winner. Here are the correct answers in case any of you were curious (the correct answer will appear in orange, bold italics):

1. On what date did I adopt Velma?
a. May 26, 2002
b. April 30, 2005
c. May 18, 2006
d. June 16, 2007

2. What is Velma's middle name?
a. Kelly
b. Daphne
c. Lee
d. Belle

3. What breed/breed mix is Velma?
a. Jack Russel Terrier/ Chihuahua mix
b. Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix
c. Purebred Chihuahua
d. Dachshund/Chihuahua mix

4. How much does Velma weigh?
a. 6.5 pounds
b. 8 pounds
c. 9.25 pounds
d. 4 pounds

5. Who is Velma's best doggie pal?
a. our neighbor "Scottie"
b. her daycare friend "Rocky"
c. her "cousin" "C.J."
d. her dog park friend "Buddy"

6. What is Velma's favorite place to be?
a. at doggie daycare with her friends
b. watching T.V. in "grandpa's" room
c. in the car on a long road trip
d. wherever mommy is!

7. How many collars does Velma currently have in her collection (many more to come soon!)
a. 34
b. 16
c. 22
d. 41

8. Which TWO places has Velma visited?
a. The Aztec pyramids in Mexico and the Space Needle in Seattle
b. The Grand Canyon and the Roman Coliseum
c. Niagara Falls and Big Ben in London
d. The Eiffel tower in Paris and Half Dome in Yosemite

9. What sorts of places does Velma MOST enjoy visiting?
a. off-leash beaches
b. long running trails
c. loud, busy cities
d. all of the above and more

10. What are the TWO most common "nicknames" I use for Velma?
a. "Baby" and "Love of my life"
b. "Munchkin" and "Little one"
c. "Hot Stuff" and "Miss Attitude"
d. "Sassy" and "Princess"

11. Any good answer would have done for this one :)

So there you have it. Congratulations Roni!

I promised and the contest is HERE!!

2009-05-17T18:29:00.001-07:00

....the contest I told you about in honor of Velma's and my "anniversary"....remember...

Ok, so the grand prize for the person who answers the most questions correctly will be your choice of a custom collar for your pooch from my shop. Here are the rules:

1. Anyone can play

2. The questions are multiple choice and one "fill-in". To answer the questions, leave a comment on this post with just the letters that correspond to your answers. Example: a, c, d, b.... and so on

3. The contest will run until Tuesday, May 26th. That day I will announce the winner (please make sure that I have some way of contacting you: through your blog, email, whatever...)

Here are the questions:

1. On what date did I adopt Velma?

a. May 26, 2002

b. April 30, 2005

c. May 18, 2006

d. June 16, 2007

2. What is Velma's middle name?

a. Kelly

b. Daphne

c. Lee

d. Belle

3. What breed/breed mix is Velma?

a. Jack Russel Terrier/ Chihuahua mix

b. Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix

c. Purebred Chihuahua

d. Dachshund/Chihuahua mix

4. How much does Velma weigh?

a. 6.5 pounds

b. 8 pounds

c. 9.25 pounds

d. 4 pounds

5. Who is Velma's best doggie pal?

a. our neighbor "Scottie"

b. her daycare friend "Rocky"

c. her "cousin" "C.J."

d. her dog park friend "Buddy"

6. What is Velma's favorite place to be?

a. at doggie daycare with her friends

b. watching T.V. in "grandpa's" room

c. in the car on a long road trip

d. wherever mommy is!

7. How many collars does Velma currently have in her collection (many more to come soon!)

a. 34

b. 16

c. 22

d. 41

8. Which TWO places has Velma visited?

a. The Aztec pyramids in Mexico and the Space Needle in Seattle

b. The Grand Canyon and the Roman Coliseum

c. Niagara Falls and Big Ben in London

d. The Eiffel tower in Paris and Half Dome in Yosemite

9. What sorts of places does Velma MOST enjoy visiting?

a. off-leash beaches

b. long running trails

c. loud, busy cities

d. all of the above and more

10. What are the TWO most common "nicknames" I use for Velma?

a. "Baby" and "Love of my life"

b. "Munchkin" and "Little one"

c. "Hot Stuff" and "Miss Attitude"

d. "Sassy" and "Princess"

11. In three sentences or less, describe what you most like about Velma (If I like your answer, it will be correct, otherwise I'll count this as a wrong answer. If I have a tie, my favorite answer will be the winner)

Thanks for playing :)

A big thanks!

2009-05-12T23:04:00.001-07:00

It sure has been busy around here lately and our line has been getting some fabulous exposure. Here are some of the things going on:

Our Summer Garden Tank has been featured in LuvHandmade:

Our Water Resistant Trench has been featured in FoundHandmade:

AND.... I'm excited about this one!... This summer we've been asked to be featured in City Dog Magazine!!THANK YOU to all of you for all your amazing support!! Hugs and licks from Velma :)

P.S. I haven't forgotten about the contest I mentioned in my last post. I promise it will be up soon.

How does a contest sound right about now..?

2009-05-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

In honor of Velma's (my dog) and my upcoming third anniversary (I rescued her on May 18, 2006) I was thinking it might be fun to do some sort of "Collar Giveaway" to a lucky winner of a contest. Since the world revolves around Velma (or at least mine does!) the contest would be a series of questions related to her and the person who answered the most questions correctly would win a free collar from my Esty shop. Sounds like it could be fun, right? I'll keep you posted on when the "official" contest will take place. Meanwhile, I have to come up with some questions...

Check this out!

2009-04-20T22:35:00.001-07:00

I've already told you about Pets Jubilee, but now I want to tell you about the new pet photo contest. That's right, you can submit a picture of your precious furbabies to the photo contest blog and if the picture wins, you'll get a free Pets Jubilee sampler box! Pretty cool, right? Details can be found on the blog. Unfortunately, contributors to the box aren't allowed to participate for the first contest (which means I can't), but at least I have more time to pick the cutest picture of Velma. I have so many, this is going to be tough....

Have you heard about "Pets Jubilee" yet?

2009-04-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Yikes! Has it really been more than two weeks since my last post?! Sorry folks, it's been crazy busy around here but I promise to start posting more often again.

Anyhow, I wanted to share a WONDERFUL Etsy shop with you: Pets Jubilee. Pets Jubilee is a team shop that sells "sampler boxes" which contain all kinds of pet-related goodies donated by Etsy sellers (including myself). When you purchase one of these fabulous boxes (for an incredible price) you never know what you might get: collars, collar charms, dog cookies, cards, you name it.... Basically, it's like a great Christmas present any time of year! You can even specify if you would prefer a cat-themed, dog-themed, or other kind of pet-themed box. I haven't gotten to the best part yet-- what makes me very proud to contribute to this great team is that not only are you supporting "handmade", but you are also supporting the SPCA International. That's right, a portion of every purchase is donated to help prevent cruelty to animals. Can't say it gets any better than that... Make sure to check it out!

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-28T19:07:00.001-07:00

Tonight, Saturday March 28, 2009 at 8:30pm your time, please vote "Earth" by switching off your lights for one hour. Your vote will help goals of reaching one billion votes to be presented to world leaders in the upcoming Global Climate Change Conference. Let's work together for a more energy-efficient green, clean, and healthy future for all of us. Earth Hour is not just about 60 minutes of darkness, it is a lifelong commitment to help preserve the world we all share, our home--planet Earth.

How CUTE is Lucky?!

2009-03-26T14:03:00.001-07:00

SOOO cute :) This is a picture I just received from one of my fabulous customers of her, dog Lucky, modeling our bandanna. Absolutely precious! Just look at that smile...

It seems like it might be warming up a bit....

2009-03-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

Flowers are blooming, the sun is out, and allergies are acting up :( Or at least mine are! Anyhow, staying cute and hip is still important in the warmer months and I've got your pooch covered. I've been working on some new collars so check our shop often for the latest and greatest. In the meantime, here is one of the newest:

This fun and sassy collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! It is a beautiful shade of aqua marine color that subtly transitions into a vibrant royal blue. The floral design is delicately outlined in white, adding a dainty and feminine touch. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Stress points have been stitched several times through to ensure security and for prolonged durability

The Sassy Tee

2009-03-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

Sass, attitude, charm and a funky edge-- this shirt has it all! This super comfortable black tee shirt has a vintage-inspired look with a beautiful organic swirl and heart silk screen design in white. It has been accented with pretty pink rhinestone flowers and felt applique hearts. One of the hearts is pink to show off your pup's innocent side while the other heart has a zebra print inspired by the wild, spunky side of her! If you have a pup with a big personality, and even bigger attitude, this shirt is the one for her!

I had to share

2009-02-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

I love these pictures and I just had to share them with you because I thought they were too cute to keep to myself. It genuinely looks like they are smiling :) These two lovely ladies are Kimo and Blackie (I think you can figure out which one is which!) I was "pet-sitting" them last week while their owners were away on vacation and we had a great time together. They are such great dogs! Of course, when their "parents" came back home, they found a surprise waiting for them-- I couldn't resist making collars for their girls while they were away. Who wouldn't want these two cuties sporting their merchandise, right?

Our newest jacket...

2009-02-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

The perfect coat for strolling city streets in style is here. Chic, smart, sophisticated, warm but light, durable, and convenient; everything you want in a coat for your pooch. This classy trench has a yoke and belt loops in a beautiful plaid that is complimented beautifully by a cotton khaki fabric that is found on the lower half of the coat. This coat features an easy, over-the-head design that is very easy to slip your pooch into. The bottom (chest) section has straps that come up and over the upper portion, fastening securely on the back in a double-breasted manner with rustic silver snaps. The chest straps are also held securely in place during walks by the D-ring located on the center back, allowing easy leash attachment, and making the coat double as a comfy walking harness. It is slightly long in design to protect most of your pooch from the cold but significantly shorter in the front for ease (and no messes)during potty time. The pocket on the back adds an extra touch of detail and can be used to carry clean-up bags on a walk. This coat is also completely lined and beautifully finished inside and out. A matching collar can be found here.

Super Sweet Sadey

2009-02-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

If Sadey had a superpower, I think it would be melting people with her unbearably cute face!

Sadey is one of my favorite customers (along with her sister, Molly). Roni, their "mom" and owner of Daisy Wares, is always lovely enough to send me pictures of them when they purchase something new from us. This time, it was Sadey's new necklace. It looks divine on her, right?!

It's a proud day in a mother's life...

2009-02-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

When her daughter fetches her first ball! For some reason, Velma likes fetching stuffed animals and other soft toys but not balls. Not until the other day that is :) Soon she'll be a ball-fetching pro! Luckily my brother, who always has his camera handy, caught it on video :)

(Please excuse the mess in my room and the weird noise my brother makes at the end of the video...)

The Precious Myrna :)

2009-02-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

I was so happy to receive this picture :)Just look at that sweet face! This is Myrna, a young Newfoundland and one of my fabulous customers. At only eight months of age, she currently holds the record for the largest dog collar I've ever made at 27 inches--yikes!! That is one big puppy and I am told by Al and Caroline (her super-nice owners and owners of Beyond the Rockz) that she still has quite a bit to grow! Her massive size just adds to her massive cuteness, don't you think?

Thanks for my award :)

2009-02-03T18:18:00.000-08:00

The lovely Tara from Youniquely Chic has nominated me for the Lemonade Award, meant for positive-attitude blogs :) Here are 10 more blogs that I love and have decided to pass the award on to. Enjoy:

1. Art Life Newsblog

2. Emma's K9 Kitchen

3. CiaoHound

4. Daisy Wares

5. For The Love of Wiener Dogs

6. Poppy's "Its a Dog's Life"

7. The Briar Rose Gate

8. leaning into the sharp points

9. Once Upon a Dog Blog

10. PetsJubilee

If you're on the list above and wish to pass on the award:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Nominate 10 blogs that show great attitude.

3. Link your nominees with your post & let them know via comment that they're lemonaded.

4. Link the post to the person who gave you the award.

A New Addition to Our Family

2009-01-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

Meet Ruby, our new kitten :) On Monday night (the 26th) on our way home from running some errands, my brother and I noticed this little baby on the street (she actually crossed right in front of me as I was driving and I managed to stop just in time to avoid hitting her!) I screeched to a very sudden, abrupt stop sending all our purchased goods that were in the back seat flying forward. I pulled over and asked my brother to get out of the car to look and listen for any signs of a mom and/or littermates. Nothing :( It seemed she was all alone and very scared. He scooped her up and got back into the car with her. We brought her home and set up a comfy place where she could hang out until we got her checked out by the vet. We gave her some food from our other kitty (Midnight, a beautiful, 18-year-old domestic shorthair) and she quickly devoured it. Yesterday, we took her to the vet to have her cleaned up and on the road to recovery. She has some pretty nasty wounds on her legs and chest as if she was attacked by another animal while she was out on her own. We purchased the appropriate medications for her (apparently her wounds were infected and she had a slight fever) and already she is doing SO MUCH better!! She is starting to act like a normal, happy, playful, and snuggly kitten, not the poor frightened little baby we picked up just two nights ago.

Ruby has now officially been introduced to my baby, Velma and my brother's other cat, Midnight. I think it will take some time for Midnight to get used to her; right now she only sniffs her and walks away. However, Ruby LOVES Velma (smart kitty, hehe)!! She follows her around and purrs loudly as she rubs her tiny little body all over Velma. Velma tolerates her for the most part, she just gets a little annoyed with her following her around so much :) I'm sure soon they'll get along just fine, as do Midnight and her.

We looked at the pros and cons of keeping her and debated whether we should or not. I decided to let my brother keep her. After all, I think she might have been a gift to him from our mom who passed away exactly one year before we found this kitty (January 26, 2008). My mom knew how much my brother loves cats and how much he wanted a kitten, I guess she decided to send her little boy a gift on this very sad and hard date. Of course, picking out a name was easy: Ruby, our mom's name :)

Super chic and fashionable

2009-01-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

This chic and sophisticated collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! Its beautifully coordinated shades of tan, ochre yellow, brown and black in a super hip plaid make it stylish and fashion forward. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Stress points have been stitched several times through to ensure security and for prolonged durability.

Visit our shop to see tons of other fashion accessories for your pooch. See you there :)

Have you seen our newest trench coat?

2009-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Have no fear, the rain trench coat is here! No more wet dog smell after your morning walk in the rain! This durable blue coat is made of water-resistant 100% cotton-faced plain weave denim which has been rubber-backed for waterproofing. This coat is completely lined with warm yellow fleece, meaning this coat will not only keep your pooch dry but super warm as well. It is slightly long in design to protect most of your pooch’s body from severe weather but significantly shorter in the front for ease (and no messes)during potty time. A turn-down collar protects your furry pal’s neck from the rain while also keeping them warm. It has an easy slip-over-the-head design with top and bottom panels that come together at the sides and are secured by an adjustable belt ensuring a perfect and comfortable fit. The smart, sleeveless design means no more tracking mud into the house. A convenient d-ring is located on top of the back to allow a leash to be attached without the need of holes for collars, harnesses, etc. Just get your pooch dressed and out the door you go!

Find this trench and many other fun fashions for your pooches here.

Check out Ollie :)

2009-01-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

A couple months ago I blogged about a custom coat that I was making for Meg's (owner of Olliegraphic) puppy, a Vizsla named Ollie. When I made the coat, all we had to work with were estimates and approximate sizes that male Vizslas reach when fully grown since Ollie was still pretty small. You may recall my original sketch for the coat:Some time has passed since then and I woke up to a very pleasant surprise this morning: pictures in my inbox from Meg! Ollie's finally grown into his custom coat and look at the handsome young gentleman he grew up to be :) Isn't he darling?! I think he looks rather dashing in his coat, wouldn't you agree?

We've Expanded :)

2009-01-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to say that we now have one more place where you can find us and where you can stock up on goodies for your pampered pooch. We have opened a new shop on 1000 Markets! Be sure to check it out :) Of course we still have our Etsy shop (we love it there, as well as all the cool people we've met on that site!) but now you have two options for your shopping convenience.

Please be a responsible pet owner!

2009-01-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

I came across this online the other night and it broke my heart because I know it is so true, so I decided to share with all of you. People need to understand that pets are NOT disposable and that along with the cuteness comes responsibility and a great deal of commitment. If they are not ready to take that on, they are not ready to have a pet:

Letters to a Dog

-- By, Carolyn MacMullin
January 6
Dear Dog, I saw you today for the first time, just a couple houses from my own the school bus stopped to let out your kids, and your mom opened the front door to let you run out and greet them. You are a wiggly, bouncy, and happy little puppy with a full belly and a shiny coat. Your kids grabbed you up, hugged you, held you and toted you inside. Your tail was wagging the entire time. I thought to my self, how sweet, what a way to end a long hard day. I spoke to your mom this evening and she said that they got you from the Animal Shelter, and the kids named you Lucky.
March 10
Dear Lucky, I saw you today as I always do on my way home from work. You were already outside to greet the kids today, which seemed a little odd. The little girl got off the bus and shooed you away, she appeared to not want you jumping on her. The boy got off the bus and gave you a quick playful pat on the head, then smelled his hand and brushed you aside. You looked confused and sad, as you went to lie by the porch. You curled up in a tight ball on the cold ground and let out a huge sigh. My heart felt heavy that day.
March 21
Dear Lucky, I saw you today, I was headed home and the kids got off the bus, walked to the house, and you ran out as far as you could on your heavy chain to let them know you were there. The little girl ignored you, the little boy told you to be quiet, when you barked for his attention. My neighbor commented that they needed to do something with your barking because you keep them up at night. You had a bucket of water and a bowl of food, a relatively nice dog-house, but your eyes were sad and empty. I shook my head and let out a huge sigh.
April 30
Dear Lucky, I worried for you today. You look thin, your chain heavy on your neck, your coat is dirty and falling out, you don't get up to do much anymore. Your bucket is turned over, and I have not seen your food bowl for a few days now. I spoke to the neighbor and asked about you. He said you still bark at night and he saw the man of the house throw something at you the other day as he scolded you. I shook my head in despair as I went back into my house.
June 4
Dear Lucky, My heart sank today, I was headed home and you weren't in your yard. A large part of me hoped you got away, another large part of me was frightened at all the other possibilities. I asked my neighbor about you, and he said your family went on vacation and sent you back to the Animal Shelter. I shook my head and cried for you as I went into my house.
June 5
Dear Dog, I went to the shelter today, I found you huddled in the back of a cage that had a bucket, a bowl of food, and a blanket for you to lie on. You looked up at me as if you knew me, and my heart broke as I read your card, they did not even care enough to give them your name and the card simply said, male, neutered retriever mix. Owners did not want. I cried when a gentleman from the kennel said, "That's a sad one there. He came from here you know, last Christmas. Guess they just got tired of him. He's too frightened, no one will adopt him." I went to the counter and told them I would be back tomorrow and please don't do anything just yet. They all kind of nodded like they heard that one before.
June 6
Dear Dog, I brought you home today. You were scared and untrusting, but a small part of you somewhere allowed you to wag the tip of your tail when I told you that you were a good boy and that I loved you. I gave you a new name, " Happy", because you aren't and I hope that someday you will be. You had an accident on the floor, and when I came back to clean it up with paper towel you slunk down and whimpered as if the hand was coming for you. I tried to choke back the tears when I thought of what you must have gone through in the past six months. I reached out and patted you and your eyes closed and your body went limp at such a gentle gesture. "We're going to be alright," I told you. I showed you your food and you ate voraciously, and you marveled at the treats and toys I got for you.
December 25
Dear Happy, Good morning my best friend! You woke me, as always, popping out from under the covers on your side of the bed, licking my face to tell me it was time for our walk. We went through the living room and you sniffed what Santa left for us. I hugged you and said, " Last year you were a Christmas gift, now this year, these are all yours!" Your coat is shiny, your belly always full, and even though we found out at your first vet visit you had heartworms, you are healthy now. As we went out for our walk, we saw your old family in the front yard, they look at you each time as if they recognize you in a way, but you don't give them a second glance. --- Then I believe both our hearts stopped as we saw the children emerge from the yard holding a small playful puppy. "Isn't she just precious? We got her from the animal shelter. Hope this one works out, the other dog we got from there was so much trouble." I sighed and refrained from pointing out that you were not the trouble. You looked up at me as if to say, " Thank you mom." I kneeled down and whispered in your sweet ear, " No, it is I who thank you."

I am sorry if this is a sad story, but unfortunately not all Christmas Puppies and Kitties have such happy endings, and thankfully some don't have such sad stories. The moral of this tale? Whether you get a pet from a shelter, a pet store, a breeder, or a private litter, this animal, is a living and feeling being, who will depend on you for everything. He will need love, patience, and kindness, as he is taught manners and housebreaking. There are no bad pets, just those who need a good foundation to start off life. A pet is for life, and a pet is family.

That's my baby, Velma, with my little brother, Sandro, by the way :)

I am SO excited!

2009-01-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased some new fabulous fabrics to make new collars for our shop! I am so in love with the new fabrics--not only are they super cute but very soft as well. Looks like Velma will be getting quite a few new collars soon and I'll be listing them in our shop as well. Check back often to see the latest and greatest in doggie fashion :)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's 2009 already!...How time flies.... Well, either way, I wanted to take the time to wish you all a VERY happy New Year. May it be filled with joy, fun, excitement, success, smiles and laughter, family and friends, and the everlasting cuteness our furry friends offer us :) Just like my baby Velma, this year I've decided to take it easy, take time to enjoy the simple things in life and bask in the sun every now and then. Only by doing this can we truly be happy. Have a good one!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

I know it sounds so cliche but I truly believe that there is something magical about this time of year. I love how cheery people are, the joyous music, all the pretty decorations, and people making time to spend with the ones they love. Velma and I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy holiday season :)

A dog's (and dog-lover's) paradise

2008-12-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

If you live in the San Francisco bay area, you have to check this place out. I had been hearing a lot about Point Isabel Park and what a great place it is to take your dogs, so I decided to take Velma there on our day off. I expected it to be the typical dog park: moderately-sized, some well-behaved and some out of control dogs running around, poop laying around creating a "watch your every step" situation, but still a pretty cool place to hang out. I was very pleasantly surprised by what we found when we arrived! First of all, this place is huge! Over 23 acres for your pooch's off-leash pleasure. It's also amazingly clean for a dog park; the owners (in my experience) were all super responsible in keeping the place clean as well as very nice. Mutt Mitts does a great job of providing clean up bags and they are readily available throughout. The energy of the dogs is a very good one (again, simply speaking from my experience). All the dogs were calm, polite, and under their owner's control--that was Velma's favorite part as she is not very tolerant of pushy dogs ;) This place offers everything for your pups to have a great time: plenty of space to run around, bay water to swim in, Mudpuppy's (self-wash, store, and cafe) and beautiful views. I'm not saying it's the prettiest place we've ever been to but it definitely has its charm. If you're looking for a place to hang out with your best pal, relax, grab a casual bite to eat and have a simple but pleasant day, I highly recommend Point Isabel. I know my baby and I will definitely be back!

One day late...

2008-11-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a busy day and I didn't get a chance to get to a computer. However, "better late than never" I always say, so.... Happy Thanksgiving! I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has ever supported me and my business and those who allow me to do what I love. Every compliment, every smile, every kind gesture helps and I just wanted to say how sincerely thankful I am. You are all great! Hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving too :)

All eyes on Poppy...

2008-11-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

Meet Poppy, our lovely friend and customer... isn't she stunning?! Her very sweet mom, Linda (owner of Artwolf) contacted us asking for some custom bandanas for this beautiful black lab girl. Of course, we were happy to whip some up for her :) The first bandana is the reversible red bandana seen in our shop. The other was a completely custom design: pink polka dots on one side and a lovely pink floral and butterfly print on the other. She looks beautiful in both bandanas! If you would like someting custom for your pooch, feel free to visit our shop or e-mail us at designsbyone@yahoo.com

Just for the record...

2008-11-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

I love my baby more than anything else in the world; I take her EVERYWHERE with me, I always have her looking perfectly groomed and stylish (even smelling nice!) and she is often seen popping her sweet little face out of a stylish purse slung on my shoulder. However, it really bothers me when people think that she is simply a fashion accessory to me when it's not like that at all!

Believe me, she LOVES living the life of a pampered diva: she LOVES the attention and affection, gets SOOO excited whenever I open up her wardrobe because she knows it's time to dress up and "get pretty", and she happily jumps right into her purse carriers (she even tries jumping into my regular, non-doggie purses!) because she knows it means that she gets to do her favorite thing in the world: be with mommy :) It's true, most people only get to see her at work: whether its cheesing it up for the camera during a product photo shoot, accompanying me to a boutique meeting, or any other one of the many things that she helps me with. I understand how this comes off as a little "Paris Hilton-ish" but I would never make her do it if she didn't enjoy it just as much as I do. After all, her happiness and well-being is what inspired me to create my company. As much as she may love her job, though, the other 99% of her time is spent just being mommy's little angel and princess. At any given moment she can be found curled up and napping on my lap, playing a good game of chase at our local dog park, catching a flight to accompany me on my next trip, or strolling busy city streets for a day out on the town. I have been told several times that she lives the life that many children wish they had. All I can do is smile and accept the fact that yes, she is more spoiled than most people's children but what can I say, she's the love of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way :)

My first kitty order!!

2008-11-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! As I've said before, I LOVE taking custom orders, but this time was different. This was the first time anyone had asked me to make something for their kitty rather than their pooch. I've made things for my cat before but that doesn't count ;) A lovely Parisian lady contacted me asking me to make her two harnesses for her new kitten: one for now and another for when it is full grown. Of course I was more than thrilled to do it and was even more excited when I received this adorable picture from her. What a thought... this precious kitty walking down the streets of the most famous city on earth wearing something that I so lovingly made!! So exciting :) Want something custom-made for your pampered pet? Please check out my shop and feel free to contact me with your requests.

Like our newest collar?

2008-11-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

This fun and funky collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! It has a whimsical white, navy, and blue "mod"-like/ bubble print mkiing it bright and playful. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Check out our shop for more.

Stay tuned for the winter line :)

A necklace that I will treasure forever

2008-10-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, I love my little girl, Velma (my dog), more than anything else in the world. Call me strange, obsessive, the weird dog lady, whatever, I don't care (and believe me, I have been called all of the above and more!). I have never met anyone who has such a special bond with their dog as we do. She is my baby, my friend, companion, little angel, business partner, someone who loves me unconditionally, and so much more. Basically, she is super special to me and always will be. I had been wanting a special piece of jewelry to celebrate that bond and had originally come up with the idea of having a locket with a picture of her in it, but it seemed so ordinary. Instead, I purchased this beautiful, one-of-a-kind, locket-inspired custom necklace from Daisywares. I loved Roni's (the owner of Daisywares) hand-stamped necklaces as well as her scrabble tile pendants, so I decided to ask for a custom order of the two together. She came up with this fabulous piece which I will treasure forever. It is beautifully crafted, it arrived quickly at my door in adorable packaging, and she was even clever enough to use a "V" tile for Velma. This is more than a pretty piece of jewelry to me, it is something very dear to me that I will treasure forever.

Two of my favorite customers

2008-10-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

I know I've talked about them before, I know I've said how cute I think they are, I know I've talked about their lovely mom and her FABULOUS company, Daisywares, but I have to bring it up again. Aren't Molly and Sadey PRECIOUS?! Here they are seen modeling two of my creations. Molly is ready for the holidays in her santa suit while Sadey takes a more subtle approach to flashing her holiday spirit in a girly red dress. Their mom, Roni, is always so kind and generous in sharing the cuteness with me so that I can share with all of you :) Just look at those faces... so irresistibly cute!!!

The Holidays Already?!

2008-10-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my! Where did this year go? I can't believe I'm saying this but limited edition "Howliday Collection" pieces are now available in our shop! Even our fur-babies need outfits to show off their holiday spirit :)

Fun and sassy

2008-10-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

This collar says just that :)

This fun and sophisticated collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! Its beautiful and fun gold polka-dot print make it super hip and playful, while the peach background is chic and modern. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Stress points have been stitched several times through to ensure security and for prolonged durability.

You can find this collar here

So many ideas, so little time...

2008-09-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'm obsessive, maybe I'm insane, but I always seem to have so much going through my mind at any given moment. I'm constantly thinking of what to do next for our fashion line, what would be cute, what fabrics would work, what trims would be needed...on and on and on it goes... it seems to never end. Recently, the owner of the Pampered Pet Boutique, the lovely little local shop that carries our line, asked me to make some beds that she could sell at her shop. Of course, I was more than happy to oblige. I had been thinking about making beds for our Etsy shop for quite some time now, but I hadn't gotten around to it. This gave me a good excuse to finally play around with the idea and actually make some. It turns out, I loved them, and so did Velma! Once I made the beds for the boutique, I immediately went out and purchased some fabric to experiment a little more and make a bed for Velma. I'm thinking... you might just find something plush and fluffy for you pooch in our shop very soon... :) After all, every pampered pup deserves a posh little bed like this, just look how comfy Velma looks on her's!

All Eyes on Chester

2008-09-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

How precious is this?! This is one of my clients, a little gentleman named Chester. His mommy purchased a sweater from our shop a couple of weeks ago and she was lovely enough to send me a picture. Darling, right?! What makes it even cuter is how big the sweater is on him,; he almost looks like a little boy playing dress-up in his daddy's clothes. In this picture, he is only about three months old and still growing into it. Fall and winter are just around the corner, but I'm sure by then he will fit into it perfectly :) What a cutie!

Fall Preview....

2008-09-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Who's ready for Autumn? I know I am :) I find it to be one of the most beautiful seasons with its beautiful colors, ideal weather, and of course, fabulous fashions. This year's 1+1=ONE fall fashion collection will be chic, refined, sophisticated and classy, all while still being casual and fun. I found a beautiful fabric that encompassed all of these key elements and put it to use in this collar. This collar is meant to kick off our fall line and set the mood for what is to come. Stay tuned for more :)

Some down time :)

2008-09-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty busy around here with work and getting ready for the new fall collection to launch in our shop (something to look forward to!) but Velma and I decided to take a day off from all the craziness. Where better to go than our favorite city: San Francisco! We walked along the piers, the beach, in and out of shops, and of course, had some fabulous off-leash runs at the park with spectacular views. What a lovely day :)

Love animals?

2008-08-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

I do!!! The ASPCA is a fabulous organization that was founded in 1866, making it the first organization of its kind in the western hemisphere. Since then, they have been fighting for animals' health, rights, happiness and overall well-being, Please take the pledge to help them out :)

Custom Orders

2008-08-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

I realized today that I don't think I've ever talked about our custom-order experiences or how much we welcome them :) In case you didn't know, we happily accept almost any challenges that you can throw our way when it comes to custom orders-- ranging from custom-sizes on existing designs, to altering design details on our ready-to-wear merchandise, all the way to working out a one-of-a-kind unique design. These orders are some of my favorites since they present challenges as well as creative room that we normally don't have to work with. Here is one of the most recent custom designs that we have created: from the design concept to the existing product. If you are interested in finding out more, feel free to visit our shop or e-mail us at designsbyone@yahoo.com

On those dog days of summer....

2008-08-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

when it's too hot for your pooch to wear clothes, have no fear... our collars are here :) Our custom -fit collars are not only designed to be lightweight, safe, and comfortable, but super chic and fabulous as well. Check them out and the other pet-fashion accessories we have to offer. You're sure to find something your pampered pooch simply can't be without in our shop.

All eyes on Xen...

2008-07-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE receiving pictures from my customers? It always manages to put a smile on my face and gives me such a feeling of satisfaction. It makes me proud to do what I do and makes it that much more worthwhile. Meet Xen, a stunning American Pitbull Terrier who now rocks one of our collars. Who says dogs who don't like clothes can't be fashionable? You, too, can show off your pet's personality and individuality with one of our custom collars (or anything else from our shop!)

That perfect summer outfit

2008-07-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

When the weather is nice and you're feeling happy, you need an outfit to reflect that. Your pampered pooch also needs a nice "let's go take a stroll in the park" outfit, and this tank is perfect for that! It's bright green color is cheery and playful while it's flower and butterfly applique design are innocent and chic. It is lightweight and comfortable, perfect for playtime on those beautiful sunny summer days. Make sure to come visit our shop to check out our newest and hottest summertime pieces :) See you there!

Fresh and new!

2008-07-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've updated; it's been pretty busy around here :) Nevertheless, I am back and ready to crank out some new and fabulous items for your pooch. Check out our latest collar and make sure to check our shop out often for the latest and greatest in pet fashion!

This fun and sassy collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! It is a beautiful shade of pink that subtly transitions into a vibrant salmon-color. The floral design is delicately outlined in white, adding a dainty and feminine touch. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Stress points have been stitched several times through to ensure security and for prolonged durability.

Something for every occasion

2008-06-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

Many of us consider our pets to be more than animals who just happen to share our homes, but more like special parts of our family. For those of us who do, it is important that they participate in family events. Such is the case for Renee, a lovely dog owner who wanted her pooch to be a part of her engagement photos. She was fabulous enough to come for us for help :) Her wedding colors were pastel yellow and white, so she decided to purchase our pastel yellow coat for her white dog. Do they look precious or what? Feel free to come to us for your pooch's special occasion needs :)

Rock and Ruff

2008-06-12T00:27:00.000-07:00

Let your pup release the inner rocker in them with this fabulous tank.

This fun tank is the perfect outfit to show off your pup's "Rock and Ruff" attitude! It is made of very lightweight and soft cotton jersey making it perfectly comfortable to play in. Its blue and white tones are fun and whimsical while the guitar and music note felt-applique add a cool rocker-chic look to it. The contrasting white neckband and matching bands at the hem and arms make this tank even more stylish. The cool narrow back design with extra large armholes allow easy movement and add a sassy feel to the outfit. The fabric has plenty of stretch for an easy pull-over design; no buttons, no snaps, no velcro, no fuss! Just get it on and go! (It easily slips right off as well). Your little pup will feel and look stylish in this tank and will draw tons of positive attention :)

Come see what else is new in our shop, see you there ;)

Did someone say.. "summer"?

2008-06-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Have you seen our newest addition to the Summer 2008 collection? Can you say precious :) You know your pooch needs this dress! Check it out:
This fun and flirtatious dress is the perfect outfit for those lazy dog days of summer. It is made of very lightweight and soft cotton making it perfectly comfortable to play in. Its red tones are fun and innocent while the polka-dot and handkerchief prints add a touch of whimsy. The belt, matching pleats and pocket make this dress even more chic. The cool razor-back design allows easy movement and adds sass. This dress snaps right on and very quickly, with openings down the center front and at the shoulders. No trying to slip this dress over the head and front legs, no fuss! Just get it on and go! (It un-snaps right off when it's time to take it off). Your little princess will feel pretty in this dress and will draw tons of positive attention wherever she may go :)

The time has come...

2008-05-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Our collars have finally been released. you can check them out here. Here is our newest:

This fun and sassy collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! It has a fun lavender and magenta paisley print with just a hint of brown all around it. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Stress points have been stitched several times through to ensure security and for prolonged durability.

Make sure to check back often to see our newest!

Surprise!

2008-05-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

The time has come!! 1+1=ONE will now be offering ...drum roll please... dog collars! Our fashionable collars are very chic, stylish, but most importantly, safe, comfortable, and high quality. They are inner lined with durable webbing and the exterior is attractive, durable and completely washable cotton fabric. They are made with contoured, no-choke side release buckles with matching adjustable sliders. Come check our shop out and see all the other fabulous things we have to offer to keep your pup stylin' :) Keep an eye out for matching harnesses and leashes as well...

Red hot and ready for summer

2008-05-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Does Velma look fabulous or what? Here she is seen sporting the newest from our 1+1=ONE summer collection. Check it out:

This stylish bandana is perfect for your fashionable little pooch. It is soft and made of 100% cotton for comfort and convenience. On one side, it has a charming, tiny white polka dot print on a red background while on the other side it has a whimsical spin of a traditional handkerchief print. It is topstitched for a more polished look and is conveniently reversible for two different looks in one bandana. It also has a snap closure to make it easy and quick to put on and take off, as well as for safety. Your pup will be the center of attention in this bold and sophisticated bandana.

Precious, right? You know you want your pooch to look this chic this summer... see you at our shop.

The Summer collection...

2008-05-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

...has launched! We will be adding new items to our shop pretty often in the upcoming months, all perfect for summer :) Normally I give you a hint to indicate what the new collection will be like but this time... all surprises! You will just have to check back often to see our new items. Meanwhile, you can check this out, our new sailor-inspired tank:

This fun tank is the perfect outfit for those lazy dog days of summer. It is made of very lightweight and soft cotton jersey making it perfectly comfortable to play in. Its gray and blue tones are fun and chic while the anchor printed on the back pocket adds a touch of luxury and a "Yacht Club" look. The navy V-neck and matching bands at the hem and arms make this tank even more stylish and whimsical. The cool narrow back design with extra large armholes allow easy movement and adds a nautical feel. The fabric has plenty of stretch for an easy pull-over design; no buttons, no snaps, no velcro, no fuss! Just get it on and go! (It easily slips right off as well). Your little pup will feel and look stylish in this tank and will draw tons of positive attention :)

If you have any questions or special requests (such as a buttonhole on the lower back for a harness, extra large or small size, a longer garment for longer dogs, etc.) e-mail us at designsbyone@yahoo.com or shoot us a convo (on Etsy).

*NOTE: For safety, this garment should only be worn while pooch is supervised.

All eyes on Molly and Sadey

2008-05-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here I go again.... I have to brag about this because these girls look so absolutely adorable! I've already told you about Roni, the owner of Daisy Wares, a shop on Etsy, and how she is a lovely customer and bought a dress from us for her dog, Molly. She came back to buy more but this time, it was for both of her girls. She wanted the same razor-back design that she had bought for Molly and ended up getting both Molly and Sadey matching dresses in the same style but a pink floral print. Isn't that precious? (Sadey is the big girl and Molly is the little one)

Summer is upon us...

2008-04-29T00:25:00.000-07:00

ok, well not quite yet but very soon. With this warm weather heading our way, it's time to make room in our doggie's wardrobe for those fabulous summer outfits and accessories. This is the latest in our shop. Check it out:
This sassy bandanna is perfect for your stylish little princess. It is soft and made of 100% cotton for comfort and convenience. On one side, it has a charming pink polka dot print while on the other side it reads "Material Girl". The writing is silk screened and heat set so it will not fade or come off. It is conveniently reversible for two different looks in one bandanna. It also has a snap closure to make it easy and quick to put on as well as for safety.
If you have any questions or special requests (such as a custom size or phrase) e-mail us at designsbyone@yahoo.com.

Cute right? Look for new summer items coming your way very soon...

Great shop, great customer: Daisy Wares

2008-04-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I had a fabulous customer on Etsy buy one of our razor-back dresses and I hadn't gotten around to bragging but here I go... Doesn't Molly look absolutely darling in her new dress?!

Anyways, I really wanted to share Roni's Etsy shop with you; it's called Daisy Wares. Not only does she offer amazing, handmade vegan jewelry and beauty products, but she also donates 10% of the money that she makes on all her sales to The Animal Place, a safe haven for abused or neglected animals, located in Vacaville, California. Best of all, Roni is very nice and perfectly friendly! Make sure to check her shop out!

Please feed a puppy!

2008-04-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

Discovering the undiscovered: Crazy4Cards

2008-04-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon Kim on the Etsy forums and could not wait to present you with her work. She has a GORGEOUS shop filled with beautifully hand-crafted cards and card gift sets that include a wonderful card with a lovely pair of earrings attached to it. You can see her passion reflected in these sassy and fun cards. The best part: she has something for every occasion!

Meet Kim. She is the owner of this fabulous shop on Etsy, Crazy4Cards. She enjoys making very unique cards, stylish, sophisticated, something you just don’t find everyday. It started with a group of her girlfriends over a year ago, getting together once a month with a consultant from “Close to my Heart”. All they needed was a reason to get together. Who would have thought that she would find her passion on a spontaneous decision to join a card club?! "I really enjoy making these cards. I love seeing the look on people’s faces when they see my new creations. That look, is greater than any price I could put on them", she says. These cards are not only beautiful, but have a very personal touch. They have become a reflection of Kim's personality. "I love old movies, To Kill A Mockingbird, My Fair Lady, and Breakfast At Tiffany’s, just to name a few." If you couldn't tell already, her favorite actress is Audrey Hepburn, who was the inspiration for her “Sexy and Sophisticated” card. She put this lovely card together in honor of her. "It just came to me one morning. I woke up with the idea and couldn’t wait to get started on it. It took me 4 ½ hours to design her dress and hat. I then dabbled with the earrings and whoa-la look what I came up with."

With Mother's Day just around the corner, what better shop to visit than Crazy4Cards. You are sure to find something that mom will love! What are you waiting for? Go visit her shop! I guarantee you will find just what you are looking for :)

have you seen this yet?

2008-04-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

ok... so I realize it has been a while since the last post, but I've been away and super busy. Last week, I was off and Velma and I headed up to Seattle to explore, relax, shop and have a blast. We are back and ready to rock! Before we left, I listed our newest spring jacket. However, I normally do a little bit of promotion for each of our new items when they first debut. This one was slightly neglected since it was such a last minute listing before our trip. Anyhow, here it is!

This cute and convenient coat is the perfect jacket for those chilly spring and summer nights. It is made of lightweight and soft cotton weave making it perfectly comfortable to play in. One side is pastel yellow with white embroidered swirls while the other side is more subdued khaki with yellow topstitching detail. Closures are located at the front of the chest as well as at the side. The strap-on design makes it easy to move in and easy for you to put it on your pooch! No sleeves or armholes to worry about. You also have the option of selecting from silver snaps, Velcro, or traditional buttons with buttonholes for the closure. (If not specified when ordered, we will surprise you!). Your pal will feel stylish and comfy in this easy-to-wear jacket.

discovering the undiscovered: GiDu

2008-04-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

You HAVE to see this shop http://gidu.etsy.com. GiDu is a shop run by Gina, a professional graphic designer who has decided to sell on Etsy part-time. Her shop is full of beautiful things and believe me, you won't leave her shop without being completely in love with it!

Gina is not only a graphic designer, she has a a love of arts and crafts as well. She loves all kinds of crafts - knitting, jewelrymaking, sewing, painting, and many more. "Learning new crafts is always exciting for me," she says, "I guess I have always been this way, even when I was little girl. I used to create little drawings and sell them to kids in my elementary school. I had the beginings of an Etsy shop!". In her shop you will find a beautiful selection of wedding invitations, such as this elegant and chic invitation, amazingly GORGEOUS earrings (I admit, I am a sucker for earrings!!), as well as unique and one-of-a-kind purses with great details. Gina is comitted to great customer service and takes custom orders as well! Does it get any better than that?! I don't think so! Make sure to take a peek at this fantastic shop before you go :)

discovering the undiscovered: crackpots

2008-03-30T01:46:00.000-07:00

I came accross another wonderful shop on Etsy that offers beautiful, artistic products for great prices, but could use a boost in exposure and sales. Come meet http://crackpots.etsy.com

Crackpots started last fall when Carla and Jen decided to take a pottery class. They loved it so much, they just kept making things! Now they've been taking more classes (and consequently have to make pootery items) and want to share the crackpot love. All of their pieces are hand thrown or built, which means they don't use molds. Every piece is unique based on the nature of the craft and their style. Sometimes the clay has a mind of it's own. Their pottery is great because it's fired up to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit! That means it's oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, not to mention lead-free!

Jen has been working with clay since college; she took an art class just for the heck of it (she had been in non-stop academic classes since high school) and she loved it! Jen would find herself throwing pieces in her head when she went to sleep at night. "Clay is such a cool medium it goes from being so soft and pliable to being tough and reliable(oven/microwave/dishwasher safe)", she says. She pulled Carla on board when she found a pottery class through the local adult ed. Carla was hooked and couldn't stop either. "We love love love to make pottery", they claim, "all the steps along the way are important and challenging". They strive to make things you'll use, they see things and think: "Can we make that out of clay? I need something to hold my stove top utencils! I'll make the perfect one at the studio, with colors to match just the way I want!". Their stuff IS art, but it's also cookware, dishes, vases, planters and a million other things, they're functional and that makes them all the more special. The problem became they had too many wonderful pieces for their homes (and that of their family and friends) so what better to do than share the love on Etsy?

Their pieces have a very organic shape and handmade vibe to them while still being modern and fabulously chic pieces of art. Crackpots has a little something for everyone but best of all, they serve dual purpose: they are decorative pieces as well as very functional. Come check out this fantastic shop, believe me, you will NOT be disappointed!

discovering the undiscovered: amberafternoon

2008-03-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here is another "undiscovered" shop that I would love to share with you: http://amberafternoon.etsy.com/

This shop is run by Wanda Edwards aka amberafternoon. She is an Artist who likes to create Art Jewelry, Fiber Art, Fine Art, and crafts. Wanda doesn't have any set mediums in which she works. She loves working with several different types of mediums, and is always exploring new found Art forms. Mediums which she feels that she has mastered are: Printmaking (Relief Printmaking-wood cuts, Lithography, and Intaglio); Oils, Watercolors, Drawing, Clay, and Fiber. Wanda has been creating Art her whole life. It just comes naturally; she can't remember a time when she wasn't creating. It's just been a natural progression. She has created Art since she "was old enough to hold mud in her hand". She loves the whole creative process...from start to finish and just lets it flow through her very naturally. She claims to "just lets go and let it happen". However, she finds some parts of running a business to be a bit challeging. "I don't enjoy Marketing: I'd much rather create! I am seeking to license my work, or someone to manage the Marketing," she says. Her user name was inspired by a kind of zen moment one afternoon, when she was enjoying her work lit by the amber rays of the Autumn sun. Wanda's work is Traditional Fine Art: all handmade. It takes time...but she enjoys it! She hopes that her work brings much joy to the viewer. She feels that the best advice ever given to her has been:"Just do it."-Her Husband, "Surrender."-Deepak Chopra, "You have to become independent of the good and bad opinions of others."-Wayne Dyer, and "Follow your bliss."'-Joseph Campbell. Words of advice she would give to other artists are: "Do what you Love...what makes you happy". Wanda is always looking for new avenues to promote her work. She is currently at the following websites: http://amberafternoon.blogspot.com/

http://www.amberafternoon.etsy.com/

http://amberafternoon.imagekind.com/

http://www.RedBubble.com/people/amberafternoon

http://www.cafepress.com/amberafternoon

www.zazzle.com/amberafternoon

Wanda is very grateful for Vincent Van Gogh's creative genius. She feels his perspectives have helped form her own, in color, technique, expression of emoton, etc...Vincent Van Gogh Museum: http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp. Read about her Cat inspiration in her Journal here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/amberafternoon/journal/258651-cats http://www.redbubble.com/people/amberafternoon/writing/869020-bad-kitty

Read her Article about Lithography here:

http://www.redbubble.com/people/amberafternoon/writing/459302-lithography-the-masochism-tango

Make sure to check out her AMAZING shop, you are sure to find high-quality work and a little someting for everyone :)

discovering the undiscovered

2008-03-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

Etsy is such a great site to find all sorts of things and talented people who create marvelous items but unfortunately have not had as much exposure as they deserve. I have decided to take it upon myself to feature these artists who need a boost in the right direction to kick off their business. Whenever I find an Etsy shop that needs a boost and that I feel is worth sharing, I will feature them here. For my first feature I would like to introduce http://littleworm.etsy.com/.

Littleworm is a shop that was started by Erica, a mother of three who found it difficult to continue working a full-time job while trying to raise a family. Erica, aka Little Worm, then turned to Etsy and her long-time passion for quilting as a source of supplementary income. Her husband and Mother had repeatedly told her to find a place where she could sell her beautiful work and Etsy seemed like the perfect place to do so. Now, Erica has the ability to do what she loves while also being able to stay home with her kids. Some of her quilted work has a traditional look, such as this lovely blue table runner ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9511804) but her talent doesn't stop there! Erica creates lovely little purses (such as this http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9106313), original quilted artwork (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9145778), and practical items such as this set of pot holders http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9432071. Her work is very professional, all handmade, and inexpensive. Come support this artist and visit her charming little shop at http://littleworm.etsy.com. See you there :)

where you can find us

2008-03-15T00:22:00.000-07:00

Our doggy clothing line is relatively new; we officially decided to start our business late last year. By "officially start", I mean start the process of going through all the paperwork, figuring out how to get our items online, picking and registering a name, and everything else you can possibly imagine one would need to start a business. So here we are, just a couple of months into this, and I must say, I'm quite proud of how far we have gotten in such a short amount of time. By the holidays of 2007, we were already producing clothing appropriate for the holiday season as well as warm enough for cold weather. Moving into this year, we immediately started working on our spring line and it has finally debuted. I admit, we are still playing catch-up (collections are supposed to be finished at least two seasons in advance and released with three months anticipation) but we have made quite a bit of progress. Anyhow, now that we are here, you may be wondering, "Where can I find this clothing line?" So far, we have obtained three places where you can shop. First, for your convenience, we have an online shop at http://designsbyone.etsy.com/. In California (which is where we are located) you can find our merchandise at two adorable and fabulously chic boutiques that specialize in clothing and accessories for dogs. "Jake & Lulu's Pet Boutique" is located in Sonora at 87 South Washington Street. The other, "The Pampered Pet Boutique" is located in Tracy at 1139 West 11th Street (we just officially closed our deal today, yay!). In the future, we plan on expanding and being able to offer our merchandise at several more locations, but don't worry, I'll keep you posted! You will always be the firsts to know where to find us!

As Promised...

2008-03-14T01:23:00.000-07:00

The spring collection is here! I have been hard at work designing and making garments that are, if I do say so myself, COMPLETELY adorable! So far, gray mock turtleneck sweaters, hooded raincoats, and military jackets have been listed for sale on the online store (http://designsbyone.etsy.com/) but check back soon because this will be updated regularly and items will be listed often in the days to come. Things to look forward to are razor-back jersey printed dresses (they have little daisies on them and are SO cute!), screen printed tanks with cute phrases and some comfy tees. This is not all though, so you have to come back and see what else we have up our sleeves :) And, as usual, custom orders are always welcome, so hit us up with your requests, we are more than happy to tackle any challenge you can throw at us! (or at least try!) E-mail requests to designsbyone@yahoo.com

O the perks...

2008-03-07T19:05:00.001-08:00

As you may or may not already know, I am Leo, the owner of the clothing line for dogs, 1+1=ONE. I am also the mommy of my precious baby, the love of my life, my gorgeous angel, little furbaby, our inspiration and top model, Miss Velma Kelly. Since I've had Velma, (since May 18th, 2006) she has not left my side for more than a couple hours at a time and has grown to be one of the most important things to me, both business-wise and personally. She meets clients with me, poses for our website (http://www.designsbyone.etsy.com/) , acts as my live model when we go meet shop owners (and possible consignment partners), cooperates during fit checks, and sports our newest items being released at the time (sometimes she gets them a season ahead!). However, it's not all work and no play for us; there are many perks to having her. I have a travel companion, someone to always make me smile, and a cute face with me at all times that draws TONS of positive attention. When we go to different cities, tourists ask to take pictures of her, when I meet new people, she acts as an ice breaker, and my absolute favorite, she puts BIG smiles on people's faces. I love walking down the street and giving a lonely old lady a reason to smile, I love walking into shops and seeing snobby, sour-faced women change dramatically, and I ADORE having little kids' faces light up and run over exclaiming "Can I pet your puppy?!". Some people ask me, "Why do you spoil her so much? She's just a dog!", but to me, she is so much more than that, and besides she deserves to be spoiled for all her hard work! I've met so many people, conversed with lovely strangers, and had some hilarious experiences all because of her. I once had a little girl come up to us and ask, "What's his name?". I replied, "HER name is Velma", and she asks "Can I pet her?", obviously I said, "Of course!". Then she said, "How old is she?"; my reply, "She's about five years old", her next question: "Does she like to play?", my answer, "Sometimes". Then the little girl stayed quiet, petting and smiling at Velma with an inquisitive (and perfectly adorable) expression on her face. She opens her mouth and exclaims "Is she a boy?". Priceless...

All Eyes on Roxy

2008-03-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

Roxy is one of my absolute favoite dogs and customers in the whole world. She is the funniest little thing and absolutely adorable. She is one of my good friends' dog and I am more than happy to introduce her to you!

My name is Roxy and I am the adoration of my family. I always have to be the center of attention! I LOVE everyone, except small loud children, and will snuggle with anyone. Some of my other favorite things are sleeping in late, eating popcorn while watching movies, and giving kisses! I especially love to go bye-bye in my mommy’s car! I love wearing my 1+1=ONE outfits, like my pink camo jumper while running around and going out with my family. It’s super comfortable and makes me stand out! My warm and cozy santa outfit was perfect for the holidays! I even wore it in our family portrait! (aren't we cute? http://www.flickr.com/photos/designsbyone/2311297258/) If you want to look as cute as me, or at least try to, check this out: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8559143

Spring is Almost Here!!

2008-02-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

With spring just around the corner, I am very excited to say that a new collection is about to debut as well! The new spring line will feature crisp, lightweight fabrics, bright colors, fresh designs, and comfortable styles. Girls will be wearing pretty, girly dresses and boys will look handsome in chic (but casual) shirts and vests. However, we have to keep in mind that it's not all sunshine and warm weather during spring. For those chilly nights and overcast days, we have debuted appropriately-colored gray sweaters. Check them out here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9838813. And remember the old saying "April showers bring May flowers"? Not a problem, we have your pooch covered (literally!) These are the newest addition to our line: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9885534. Check back soon, though, cuz spring fever is just getting started and new items will be launched shortly!

This is Why I LOVE Etsy

2008-02-21T15:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.Etsy.com/ is a great website to find a ton of things that are handmade. It supports the artist community and is anti-mass-production, which is a big problem in our modern society. Not only is it a great site to find a wide asssortment of handmade products, but when you purchase an item from this site, you can be sure you have a one-of-a-kind original item that was flawlessly made with love and dedication. This is why we chose to sell our 1+1=ONE clothing line for dogs on this site (http://designsbyone.etsy.com); because we love doing what we do, we enjoy having a closer, more personal connection with our customers, and because it encourages people to buy handmade merchandise, rather than lower-quality, mass-produced garments that can be found in department stores and the like. Furthermore, Etsy has become a lovely community where crafters, creators, and artisans come together to support each other, give each other advice and help each other become successful doing what they love to do: create. Allow me to give you an example of how other online sellers and members of the Etsy community have been there for me. Several days ago, I was having a bad day because of a purchase that I had made online which turned out to be a scam (the seller had taken my money and run). I found out that this online seller was known for taking custom orders, taking her clients' money and never delivering. I immediately turned to the Etsy forums to ask for advice on what to do. Within seconds, I had several responses giving me tips on how to get my money back and wishing me better luck with future online purchases. Not only this, but one Etsy seller (http://showertreatsoap.etsy.com) offered to send me a FREE sample from her shop, just to make my day and so that I did not become weary of online sellers. It turns out that Laura, the online shop owner, has a beautiful online shop with a wide assortment of shower goodies. All I have to say is this: if you haven't done so already, give Etsy a try. You'll be amazed by the quality, friendliness, and beauty that you'll find there!

All Eyes On...

2008-02-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

I have decided to start an "All Eyes On..." special featuring some of our customers' dogs to give them their well-deserved five minutes of fame. Each special will spotlight some of that particular pooch's personality, favorite things to do, etc. as well as some pictures of them in their favorite outfit designed and made by us. Of course, to kick things off, our top star and model will be the first to be featured:

All Eyes on Velma Kelly

My name is Velma Kelly and my mommy always says that I am the love of her life. I go EVERYWHERE with her since we hate being apart. I have not met anyone who has not fallen completely in love with me. Some people have tried resisting, but I always win them over! however, there are some people that I do not particularily like (i.e men and obnoxious children!). I am more spoiled than most people's children which is why many people say that I am a snob. My mommy disagrees, though, and says that I am a perfect angel! Just like my fashion designer mommy, I LOVE clothes and looking pretty. I get VERY excited when my mommy opens my wardrobe where she keeps all my clothes, fashion accessories, grooming supplies and perfume. She even lets me choose what I am going to wear! She holds up a couple of outfits at a time and I rush to the one that I want to put on. Pretty impressive, right? I have a full-time job being my mommy's model for her line and she even lets me make some design choices. Anything that does not obtain the "Velma lick of approval" does not make it into the 1+1=ONE line (Yes, I am being totally serious) . I can't say that I have a favorite outfit, anything that my mommy custom makes is good enough for me! Here I am seen wearing my gingham jacket to kick off mommy's spring collection. Want to look cute like me? Check it out http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8684976 or e-mail my mommy at designsbyone@yahoo.com for custom orders.

the introduction

2008-02-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hi! I've heard that having a blog is a fun idea and good way to communicate ideas, share thoughts, and simply a pleasant thing to do. I figured I should give it a try, so here I am :)

First of all, let me introduce myself and our company. Our company (a very small one) is 1+1=ONE which is a clothing line for dogs. Our clothes are meant to be comfortable, but cute, hip, and completely adorable because we absolutely ADORE dogs!! When I say "we" I am referring to the three of us who make up the company:
*Leo: that is me! I am the co-owner and fashion designer for 1+1=ONE My job is to take care of EVERYTHING and make sure work gets done and accomplished in an orderly manner. Allow me to list a few of the things I do: I design the line, make patterns, sew up samples, find fit-models to try samples on in each size (XS-L), perfect the patterns, sew up corrected garments, run our online shop (designsbyone.etsy.com), take pictures for the website and update our listings, return e-mails, and the list goes on... Most importantly, I am the owner and guardian of our precious model, Velma.
*Velma: Like I said before, Velma is my fur-baby and top model for 1+1=ONE. She is a chihuahua/ dachsund mix and positively the cutest thing I've seen in my life! She came into my life while my business partner and I were studying fashion design at FIDM and became the inspiration for this clothing line. She always seemed to be cold and on one occassion, I was sewing up a homework assignment for my sewing class late at night in my chilly bedroom. Meanwhile, Velma was sitting next to me (she never leaves my side) shivering from the cold. Suddenly, I had an epiphany! With one of my scraps of fabric, I quickly whipped up a hoodie for her. It wasn't perfect, of course, but hey, it was my first attempt at dog clothing. However, to my surprise, she loved it! I held it up and her tail immediately started wagging and her eyes seemed to twinkle with excitement. She knew she looked good in it once it was on! and most importantly, she stopped shivering. Since then, her clothes have gotten better-made, more detailed, and, if I do say so myself, perfectly tailored to her :) She has a larger wardrobe than I do and gets extremely excited when she knows it's time to dress up. Check out our star's profile at http://www.dogster.com/dogs/671873
*Heera: Heera is my friend and business partner who helps me run our business. She is also a co-owner and fashion designer for the line and her duties are pretty similar to mine. She goes over the designs with me and helps me improve them. She helps me make patterns, sew up garments and shop for fabric and other supplies we may need. She also takes care of some of the promotion of our business and is a delight to work with. She is nice and helpful and very cooperative with me. So far, I must say we make a lovely team.

In the future, we plan to expand into clothing for people as well, I mean, how cute would it be to have matching outfits for pets and pet-parents?! ADORABLE!! In the meantime, we are starting small until we get the hang of how to run a business. Until then, wish us luck! We will keep you updated with the progress of our business and lives in general, Talk to you soon :)

Leo